Structural glass balustrade support

ABSTRACT

A structural glass balustrade support comprised of a base support consisting of two halves joined together through the use of a keyed joint. One half of base support includes a male component consisting of an angled extending tongue corresponding to a female grooved receiving piece in the second member of base support. Extending tongue can be inserted into and engage with female grooved receiving piece creating the keyed joint, thereby joining and securing base support together. Angled extending tongue provides increased surface area for the application of an adhesive, contributing to the strength of the keyed joint. When assembled, base support may be installed on an installation surface. A panel, such as laminated glass may be inserted into the base support through a defined void. Once inserted, panel may be secured through the use of an adhesive. The base support is capable of holding and securing glass panel in place.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/923,144, filed on Oct. 18, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally directed to a balustrade support system with a sustainable design, using cross laminated timber as the primary material.

BACKGROUND

Balustrade supports are widely used in a variety of construction projects for installing panels, railings, and other structures. Typically, balustrades are constructed from aluminum or other metals, and are shipped to a construction site in a preassembled form. Balustrades oftentimes consist of oblong or irregular shapes that can take up space, leading to inefficient shipping. Further, by transporting balustrades in an assembled form, there is potential of structural risk and damage during shipping. Balustrades made from aluminum or other metals, must further rely on laborious and time consuming methods of assembly and manufacture. Even further, there is an increasing demand for products of all varieties be made from renewable and sustainable sources. Presently, no balustrades are formed from such sustainable materials, and there is a need for such balustrades.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a structural glass balustrade support, and more specifically, to a structural glass balustrade support comprising a cross-laminated timber design with a keyed joint assembly. The present invention can be constructed using a cross laminated timber design, and may be constructed from Douglas fir, Larch, Alaskan cedar, or another species of wood or combination thereof. The cross laminated timber design provides the dual benefit of using sustainable and recyclable material without sacrificing strength required to support glass panels or other structures.

The present invention comprises a structural glass balustrade support consisting of two halves, a male half and female half, operably coupled together to create a structural base support unit. The male half may comprise an extending tongue that generally corresponds to a grooved receiving piece located in the female half. The extending tongue and grooved receiving piece may be designed in such a way that when the extending tongue is inserted into the grooved receiving piece, a keyed joint is created, resulting in a secure and stable fit. This can be achieved through the operably coupling of the male half to the female half, thereby forming the base support of the structural glass balustrade support. The strength of the bond between the male half and female half may be increased through the use of anchoring material placed either on the extending tongue, the grooved receiving piece, both of the extending tongue and grooved receiving piece, or other surface area of the male or female half. In furtherance of creating a secured and stable fit, the extending tongue may further comprise an angled surface. This angled surface can be used to increase the amount of surface area of the extending tongue, allowing for more space for adhesive to be applied to as well as increasing the overall strength of the keyed joint. As such, the combination of a keyed joint and increased surface area provide for a stable and secure fit. When formed, the base support generally comprises a ‘U’ shape, with two vertically extending leg pieces or members with a void space defined between the two leg pieces. This void space may be used for the placement and securing of a glass laminated panel or other structure.

During installation, an assembled base support may be installed and coupled to a concrete, steel, or wooden surface and may be secured to the installation surface through the use of one or more anchors or other fasteners. The anchors may pass through the base support and into the installation surface, thereby securing base support to the installation surface. In one embodiment, spacers may be pre-laid on the installation surface, and the base support may be placed on top of the spacer, rather than directly on the installation surface. In such an embodiment, the anchors would pass through both the base support and spacer before entering the installation surface. In another embodiment, base support may further and optionally include a shear plate that can surround the anchor and provide additional support and strength to base support.

Once base support has been placed and secured on the installation surface, polyvinyl setting blocks may be placed in the void space and directly on a top member of the base support. The number of polyvinyl setting blocks can vary, depending on the embodiment, but the polyvinyl settings blocks may aid in placing glass panels, or other structures, and prevent or reduce direct exposure of the glass panel to the base support. After the initial placement, temporary holders may be used to align the glass panel prior to the application of epoxy, grout, or other adhesive to secure the glass panel in place. Depending on the embodiment, the base support can be used to place a plurality of glass panels, depending on the length of the base support and the length of the glass panel.

Other and further objects of the invention, together with the features of novelty appurtenant thereto, will appear in the course of the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

In the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the specification and are to be read in conjunction therewith in which like reference numerals are used to indicate like or similar parts in the various views:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of a structural glass balustrade system of FIG. 5 cut along the line 2-2 and illustrating one embodiment of an anchor in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of one embodiment of a base support of the structural glass balustrade system of FIG. 1 in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a base support of a structural glass balustrade support system in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of a structural glass balustrade system of FIG. 5 cut along the line 2-2 and illustrating one embodiment of an anchor in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a structural glass balustrade system showing a support base supporting two laminated glass panels in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention will now be described with reference to the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. For purposes of clarity in illustrating the characteristics of the present invention, proportional relationships of the elements have not necessarily been maintained in the drawing figures. It will be appreciated that any dimensions included in the drawing figures are simply provided as examples and dimensions other than those provided therein are also within the scope of the invention.

The following detailed description of the invention references specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. The embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments can be utilized and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The present invention is defined by the appended claims and the description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense and shall not limit the scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

The present invention is directed to a structural glass balustrade support 10 to provide a sustainable, efficient, and effective balustrade for construction projects. FIG. 1 shows a side structural glass balustrade support 10 and its various components, parts, sub-parts, and elements. Structural glass balustrade support 10 is capable of supporting a panel 60 of laminated glass, beams, or other material or structures using a base support 12. Panel 60 may be attached, affixed, or otherwise connected to base support 12 by inserting or placing panel 60 into a panel void 36 located in base support 12. When placed or inserted into panel void 36 of base support 12, panel 60 may be secured to base support 12 through a panel anchoring material 62. As described in more detail below, panel anchoring material 62 may include but is not limited to an epoxy or non-shrink grout, but it will be appreciated that any known adhesives may be used and/or other fastening methods to secure panel 60 in base support 12 may be used. Such other non-limiting examples of other fastening methods include screws, bolts, clamps, and/or chemical welding.

During installation, base support 12 may be secured, fastened, or otherwise connected to a stable structure or installation surface 100. Because structural glass balustrade support 10 may be used in a variety of construction projects and settings, installation surface 100 may vary greatly. By way of non-limiting examples, installation surface 100 may be a concrete slab, wood mass timber beams, metal structural sub frame angles, HSS tubes, flat boards, beams, and/or other suitable structures. Base support 12 may be secured to installation surface 100 using any suitable method of attachment, including adhesive or mechanical means. In one embodiment, base support may be affixed, attached, or otherwise coupled to installation surface 100 using an anchor 80. Anchor 80 may be any suitable apparatus for securing base support 12 to installation surface 100, and may include a galvanized steel anchor or any other suitable securing apparatus. As illustrated in FIG. 1, anchor 80 may be located in an anchor void 82 defined, cut, or otherwise located internally in base support 12. In another embodiment, anchor void 82 may be a sleeve or plate embedded in the installation surface to receive anchor 80. When secured or otherwise connected to base support 12, anchor 80 may then be bolted, drilled, or otherwise inserted into installation surface 100, thereby securing base support 12 to installation surface 100. Alternatively, base support 12 may be placed on a spacer 50 located on the installation surface 100, reducing or eliminating direct contact between base support 12 and installation surface 100. Spacer 50 may be constructed from plastic, asphaltic membrane, metal, aluminum, KOROLATH®, or other suitable materials. It will be appreciated that spacer 50 may provide base support 12 protection from moisture located on installation surface 100 and additionally or optionally, from moisture or contaminants from cleaning products.

Base support 12 may be constructed from a variety of materials currently known, or that may yet to be made or discovered. In one embodiment base support 12 may be constructed from a wood species, including but not limited to Douglas Fir, Larch, Alaskan Cedar, and/or another wood species or combination thereof Alternatively, base support 12 may also be constructed from polymer, PVC, plastics, metals, or other materials. In an embodiment of base support 12 constructed from wood species, the wood may be solid wood, engineered wood, glulam, parallam, treated and/or treated wood, or other types of wood. As shown in FIG. 2, in one embodiment, base support 12 may be comprised of a cross laminated timber shown, wherein each member is constructed of three pieces joined at glue line 84. In one embodiment, to improve the strength, flexibility, effectiveness, and/or load bearing capabilities of base support 12, the grain of wood components 14 may be purposefully orientated and positioned to improve the strength of base support 12. Wood components 14 may be located throughout base support 12, or alternatively, be located in certain portions that may require the additional strength wood components 14 provide.

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of base support 12 comprising two halves connected together to form a base support 12. It will be appreciated that in alternate embodiments, base support 12 may comprise a singular unit and in further embodiments base support 12 comprises more than two parts. In the illustrated embodiment, base support 12 comprises a male portion 22 and a female portion 20 operably coupled together through a keyed joint 40. It will be appreciated that in alternate embodiments, it is possible that other methods of coupling may be utilized, such as a mechanical coupling or other adhesive means. Further, male portion 22 and female portion 20 may each be machined from wood components 14 and from cross laminated timber members to form base support 12.

As shown in FIG. 2, in one embodiment, male portion 22 and female portion 20 are coupled together through the use of a keyed joint 40. In this embodiment, male portion 22 can comprise a male member 26 corresponding to a female groove receiving piece 38 in female portion 20 thereby creating keyed joint 40. Male member 26 can consist of an extending tongue 28 aligned opposite to female groove receiving piece 38. When aligned, extending tongue 28 is inserted into and engages with female groove receiving piece 38. As depicted in FIG. 2, male extending tongue 28 may consist of a vertically extending portion whereby a locking action is created, thereby operably coupling male portion 22 and female portion 20 together. Keyed joint 40 may be further strengthened through the use of an adhesive, mechanical fastener, or other strengthening methods. In one embodiment, adhesive may be applied to either of, or both of, extending tongue 28, female groove receiving piece 38, or other locations in either of male portion 22 and female portion 20. As further shown in in FIG. 2, extending tongue 28 may further comprise one or more angled surfaces 30. Angled surface 30 increases the contact surface area of extending tongue 28 and the mating groove of the female portion 20. This increased surface area strengthens the adhesive bond of keyed joint 40 when adhesive is applied to all mating surfaces as it increases the surface area upon which adhesive acts to bind the two members. Male portion 22 and female portion 20 may be joined together to form base support 12 either during the manufacturing process.

As depicted by FIGS. 1-5, base support 12 may further comprise a first vertical leg 16 and second vertical leg 18 that together create a general ‘U’ geometric shape in base support 12. First vertical leg 16 can generally corresponded to and extend from female portion 20 and likewise, second vertical leg 18 can generally correspond to and extend from male portion 22. First vertical leg 16 can comprise a first vertical leg inner sidewall 32, and likewise, second vertical leg 18 can also comprise a corresponding second vertical leg inner sidewall 34. Each of first vertical leg inner sidewall 32 and second vertical leg inner sidewall 34 can generally have a 90° angle. However, in alternate embodiments, they may comprise a tapered or other angle. The bottom of the ‘U’ may generally correspond a panel support surface 42, whereby connecting first vertical leg 16 and second vertical leg 18.

The ‘U’ shape created from the spacing between first vertical leg 16 and second vertical leg 18 may otherwise define or consist of a panel void 36 for the receiving and ultimate securing of panel 60 into base support 12. Panel 60 may be inserted or otherwise placed into panel void 36, and can engage with panel support surface 42 located on the base support 12. It will be appreciated that panel void 36 will generally correspond in size and shape to panel 60, and as such, may vary in both size and shape depending on the embodiment. Additionally, panel 60 can also engage with either of or both of first vertical leg inner sidewall 32 and second vertical leg inner sidewall 34. Panel 60 may be engaged in such a way that panel 60 undergoes strains of similar magnitude and direction under applied loading along the bottom of panel 60 thereby creating composite action. Panel 60 may optionally or additionally be secured to base support 12 by an epoxy, resin, polymer, adhesive or panel anchoring material 62. In one embodiment, panel anchoring material 62 may consist of a flowable, rapid setting, high compressive strength non-shrink epoxy grout, or any other suitable anchoring material now known or hereafter utilized. Panel anchoring material 62 may be applied to either of, or both of, first vertical leg inner sidewall 32 and/or second vertical leg inner sidewall 34. Optionally, panel anchoring material 62 may be placed on panel 60 in addition to, or instead of on first vertical leg inner sidewall 32 and/or second vertical leg inner sidewall 34. It will be appreciated that the application of panel anchoring material 62 may reduce or even eliminate engagement or direct contact between panel 60 and either of first vertical leg inner sidewall 32 and/or second vertical leg inner sidewall 34. Panel anchoring material 62 can be used to secure the placement of panel 60 during installation, as well as provide continued support, stability, and consistent placement of panel 60 even after installation. Using a flowable material allows an installer to level the panel within the U-channel and then secure the panel in the true level position even when the base member 12 or the installation surface 100 may be slightly out of level.

As demonstrated in FIGS. 1-5, the present invention may further consist of at least one setting block placed on panel support surface 42. In one embodiment, the at least one setting block may be a polyvinyl setting block 70, however it will be appreciated that other materials may be used in place of polyvinyl. A plurality of polyvinyl setting blocks 70 may be placed intermittently throughout the length of panel support surface 42 or alternatively may be placed continuously throughout the length of panel support surface 42. Polyvinyl setting block 70 may be positioned so that it is placed in between panel support surface 42 and panel 60, acting as a buffer. Polyvinyl setting block 70 may aid in installation of panel 60 and may further or optionally aid in keeping panel 60 aligned and secured after installation. Setting block 70 may also allow for the flowable anchoring material 62 to form a continuous and solid anchor to hold the panel 60 within the base member 12.

As depicted in FIG. 1, base support 12 may further comprise an anchor void 82 defined generally near or at the center of base support 12. Anchor void may also be an anchor aperture. Anchor void 82 can be used to aid the insertion of anchor 80 during installation of base support 12. Anchor voids will be placed at a defined spacing as necessary to provide sufficient structural stability. In one embodiment, the anchor voids are spaced at 18 inches on center, but such spacing may vary depending upon material properties and loading conditions. Anchor void 82 can be defined during the manufacturing process of base support 12, or alternatively, may be defined after the manufacturing process, i.e. prior to installation of base support 12. Anchor void 82 may be defined such that it is located entirely in male portion 22. Alternatively, anchor void 82 may be defined such that it is located entirely in female portion 20. Further, anchor void 82 may be defined such that it is located partially in male portion 22 and partially in female portion 20. Because anchor 80 may vary from embodiment-to-embodiment, it will be appreciated that anchor void 82 may likewise vary depending on the embodiment, but that anchor void 82 may generally correspond to the size and shape of the corresponding anchor 80.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of base support 12 with an indeterminate length. The length of base support 12 may vary depending on its embodiment. By way of non-limiting examples base support 12 may be 2 feet in length and up to 20 feet in length. In one embodiment, base support 12 may be provided in lengths of 8 feet or 10 feed. However, it will be appreciated that base support 12 could be less than 2 feet in length and alternatively could be greater than 20 feet in length.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of structural glass balustrade support 10 comprising optional components that may add increased strength and stability to the structural glass balustrade support 10. In this embodiment, structural glass balustrade support 10 may comprise an additional and optional shear plate 90 to support the anchoring locations. Shear plate 90 may be used to increase the strength and effectiveness of anchor 80. Shear plate 90 may be manufactured in base support 12 or optionally may be added when male portion 22 and female portion 20 are operably coupled together or alternately may be inserted at another time, such as just prior to installation of the anchor 80. Shear plate 90 may generally surround at least a portion of anchor 80 and may be used to disperse or spread force applied to anchor 80 or otherwise strengthen and improve the effectiveness of anchor 80 by de-centralizing the force of the anchor against the material of base support 12. FIG. 4 also shows an embodiment of structural glass balustrade support 10 comprising a split ring member 92 disposed proximate the bottom of base support 12 to surround the anchor void 82 and installed anchor 80. The split ring member 92 may be a galvanized steel ring having a thickness wherein split ring member 92 may be inserted a distance into a corresponding groove machined into the bottom of the base support 12. In one embodiment, the thickness of split ring member 92 may be around 3/16″ and may be inserted a distance of around ½″ into the base support 12. The split ring 92 may increase the bearing capacity of the based support 12 when it is compressed against the installation surface 100.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of structural glass balustrade support 10 housing two panels 60. One process of installation may comprise the following steps. During installation, an installation surface 100 of concrete, wood, or other surface may be chosen for placement of structural glass balustrade support 10. When installation surface 100 has been determined and measurements for the placement of structural glass balustrade support 10 have been made, installation may proceed in the following manner. At least one installation hole (not shown) may be drilled or otherwise defined in installation surface 100 and may correspond to the future placement of at least one anchor 80. In an embodiment comprising spacer 50, after the placement of the at least one installation holes has been defined in installation surface 100, at least one spacer 50 may then be placed over the installation site, including as a result, over the at least one installation hole. The at least one spacer 50 may be placed intermittently over the installation site, or may be placed continuously over the installation site, depending on the desired number of spacers 50. Base support 12 may then be placed in the installation location, and on top of the at least one installation hole, and in an embodiment comprising spacers 50, base support 12 may also be placed on top of spacers 50.

After base support 12 is placed in the desired location, anchor 80 may then be installed by drilling or otherwise inserting through anchor void 82, in corresponding locations to installation holes in installation surface 100. Alternatively, installation holes, sleeves, or plates may be placed in installation surface 100 prior to locating or placing base support 12. Anchor 80 may pass through the bottom of base support 12, optionally spacer 50, if spacer 50 is lined up with anchor 80, and finally into installation surface 100. This couples or otherwise attaches base support 12 to installation surface 100. In an embodiment comprising optional shear plate 90, optional shear plate 90 may be installed prior to the installation of anchor 80. This process may be repeated using the desired number of anchors 80.

In an embodiment of the present invention comprising polyvinyl setting blocks 70, once base support 12 has been placed and installed using the desired numbered of anchors 80, or with anchors 80 and optional shear plates 90 in an embodiment comprising shear plates 90, polyvinyl setting blocks 70 may then be placed on panel support surface 42. It will be appreciated that polyvinyl setting blocks 70 may be placed in intermittently throughout the entire length of base support 12, or may be placed continuously throughout the entire length of base support 12. In one embodiment, there are three setting blocks 70 per length of panel 60. The number of polyvinyl setting blocks 70 may vary based on the embodiment, and it will be appreciated that one, two, three, or any number of polyvinyl setting blocks 70 may be used per panel as specified. Further, polyvinyl setting blocks 70 may be placed and, in one embodiment, secured using any known means, whether through adhesives, mechanical, or other methods of placement. However, setting blocks 70 may also be loose until held in place by the panel 60.

Panel 60 may then be placed in panel void 36, and it will be appreciated that the bottom of panel 60 may touch and rest against the top of polyvinyl setting blocks 70 or alternatively, against panel support surface 42. At this time, optional temporary shims or holders (not shown) may be utilized to hold panel 60 in place until final securement occurs. The temporary holders may consist of inserts, clamps, or other methods and manners of temporarily holding panel 60 in place. When panel 60 has been aligned, straightened, or otherwise positioned for final placement, panel anchoring material 62 may then be placed in panel void 36 for securing panel 60 in place. More particularly, panel anchoring material 62 may be placed on either side of panel 60, in the space between first vertical leg inner sidewall 32 and panel 60 and the space between second vertical leg inner sidewall 34 and panel 60. In one embodiment, the flowable panel anchoring material will flow through the U-channel and will be located on both sides of the panel. It will be appreciated that if panel anchoring material 62 is added to both sides of panel 60, that there may be no direct contact between panel 60 and either of first vertical leg inner sidewall 32 or second vertical leg inner sidewall 34. After panel anchoring material 62 begins to set, the temporary holders may be removed. More panel anchoring material 62 may be added if necessary to secure panel 60 in place. This step of installing panel 60 may be repeated any number of times, until the desired number of panels 60 are placed in base support 12. As illustrated in FIG. 5, in one embodiment of structural glass balustrade support 10, there may be two panels 60 placed and secured in one base support 12. However, it will be appreciated that depending on the embodiment, any number of panels 60 may be placed and secured in one base support 12. Alternatively, it will be further appreciated that one panel 60 could be placed in more than one base support 12.

It will be further appreciated that in certain scenarios, it could be advantageous that after panel 60 is placed and secured in base support 12 on the installation surface 100, that an additional base support 12 could be placed and secured to the top of panel 60 to provide even further support and stability to panel 60. This construction may be beneficial for the construction of wall panels.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects hereinabove set forth together with other advantages which are inherent to the structure and method. It will be understood that certain features and sub combinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and sub combinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. Since many possible embodiments of the invention may be made without departing from the scope thereof, it is also to be understood that all matters herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted as illustrative and not limiting.

The constructions described above and illustrated in the drawings are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the concepts and principles of the present invention. Thus, there has been shown and described several embodiments of a novel invention. As is evident from the foregoing description, certain aspects of the present invention are not limited by the particular details of the examples illustrated herein, and it is therefore contemplated that other modifications and applications, or equivalents thereof, will occur to those skilled in the art. The terms “having” and “including” and similar terms as used in the foregoing specification are used in the sense of “optional” or “may include” and not as “required”. Many changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the present construction will, however, become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the specification and the accompanying drawings. All such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention which is limited only by the claims which follow. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A structural glass balustrade support comprising: a base support, wherein the base support comprises a first member and a second member operably coupled together, wherein said first member comprises an extending tongue; wherein said second member comprises a groove having a shape to receive and matingly engage with the extending tongue; and wherein first member and second member are operably coupled together by a keyed joint when said extending tongue engages with said grooved receiving piece.
 2. The structural glass balustrade support of claim 1, wherein the extending tongue further comprises a first angled surface and the groove has a second angled surface disposed to matingly engage the first angled surface at an interface, wherein the first angled surface and the second angled surface are coupled with an adhesive at the interface.
 3. The structural glass balustrade support of claim 1, wherein the first member includes a first leg and the second member includes a second leg, wherein said first leg and said second leg define a void space for receiving a panel.
 4. The structural glass balustrade support of claim 3, wherein two or more of said first leg, said second leg, said first member and said second member define a geometric ‘U’ shaped void space, said geometric ‘U’ shaped void space defined by the first leg, the second leg and a panel support surface of the base support.
 5. The structural glass balustrade support of claim 4, wherein said base support further comprises a plurality of apertures defined through the panel support surface and wherein each of the plurality of apertures being disposed to receive a fastening apparatus.
 6. A structural panel assembly comprising the structural glass balustrade support of claim 5 and further comprising the at least one fastening apparatus coupling said base support to an installation surface.
 7. The structural panel assembly of claim 6, further comprising at least one setting block placed on said panel support surface and disposed between the first leg and the second leg.
 8. The structural panel assembly of claim 7, wherein a panel is received in the void space and further engages at least partially with the at least one setting block.
 9. The structural panel assembly of claim 8, wherein panel anchoring material is disposed within to the void space between at least one of the panel and the first leg, and the panel and the second leg, and wherein the panel anchoring material secures panel within the base support.
 10. The structural panel assembly of claim 8, wherein base support may further comprise at least one shear plate that at least partially surrounds the at least one fastening apparatus.
 11. The structural panel assembly of claim 8, comprising two or more fastening apparatuses disposed to couple said base support to the installation surface.
 12. The structural glass balustrade support of claim 1, wherein the base support is constructed from cross laminated timber. 